SUNDERLAND have moved to cancel a number of tickets for when Championship champions-elect Wolves visit the Stadium of Light on the final day of the season.

The Black Cats have taken the decision after becoming aware that some away tickets for the game on Sunday, May 6 had fallen into the hands of supporters of rivals and neighbours Newcastle United.

Sunderland had already decided to close the cash turnstiles for the final three games at the Stadium of Light because information heightened fears Newcastle supporters would try to gain entry.

Officials at the Wearside club had been made aware that some Newcastle fans were keen to visit the Stadium of Light at a time when Sunderland are on the verge of suffering relegation to League One for the first time since 1987.

It is understood a number of Newcastle supporters were turned away from the ticket office ahead of the Norwich City game on Tuesday last week.

Sunderland have made the steps in a bid to avoid a repeat of that relegation in 1987 when hundreds of Magpies fans turned up at Roker Park to witness Sunderland drop down to the old Third Division after a game with Gillingham.

Sunderland face Burton Albion at the Stadium of Light this Saturday and then, after a trip to Fulham on Friday week, Wolves will be in the North-East on Sunday, May 6.

Sunderland have indicated that anyone wanting to buy tickets will need to have a purchase history and must do so from the box office.